How to Cash a Cashier's Check Without a Bank Account

Authentic cashier's checks are secured by the issuing bank's own assets, making it one of the most reliable ways to pay bills. Unfortunately, check-counterfeiting scams have become more prevalent in recent years, which makes it trickier to cash them if you don't have a bank account. However, if you can't go to the issuing bank to get the money, a check-cashing service will usually perform the service, though you may have a harder time cashing larger checks.

A man is cashing a check.

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Go to the Issuing Bank

You can usually cash a cashier's check at the issuing bank regardless of the amount it's drawn for once you endorse it, even if you don't have an account there. You'll need to bring a driver's license and ideally another form of identification as well. Banks can refuse to honor the cashier's check if they have reasonable doubts that you're the intended recipient, so err on the side of bringing more proof than necessary. You also might have to pay a small fee, which will be taken out of the money you receive.

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Other Locations

A few banks will cash a cashier's check drawn from another bank, though that isn't common. In addition, check-cashing services also will honor your cashier's check for a fee. Local laws determine how much these services can charge, and some will put the money on a prepaid debit card rather than give you the cash. In addition, many check-cashing services only will process cashier's checks up to a specified limit, to limit their risk. You'll need to provide identification, which varies based on the company's guidelines. The company records your contact information in case the check proves to be counterfeit. If that's the case, you'll be liable to repay the funds you received.